References

SAFE DRUG USE: IN YOUR HOME

Please consider the questions below to determine the safety of your home as it relates to safe use and storage of your prescription medications.

SAFE USE

Do you tell your healthcare provider about ALL medicines and supplements you take?

Have you talked with your family members about the importance of not sharing your prescription medications?

Have you talked with your family members about the importance of not taking others’ prescription medications?

Do you keep track of how many pills are in your bottle so you are immediately aware if any are missing?

Safe Drug Storage

Do you have prescription medications in your home?

Where do you store your prescription medications?

Are your prescription medications kept in a safe place, out of reach of kids, family and guests?

When was the last time you checked your medicine cabinet for expired prescription medications?

Have you kept prescription medications after their expiration date?

Have you kept unused prescription medications after your medical condition has been successfully treated?

How long have you kept the unused prescription medications? More than 6 months? More than a year?

Do you keep prescription medications in the original bottle with the label attached, and with the child-resistant cap secured?

Taking a regular ‘inventory’ of your prescription medications – whether they are for pain, sleep, anxiety, etc.; keeping them in a safe place; and disposing of them properly can and does save lives.

If you have any questions about the considerations listed above, please contact your medical provider to speak about specific ways you can more safely use and store your medications.

Source: UseOnlyAsDirected, Utah Department of Public Health

SAFE STORAGE: LEARN THE FACTS

Store medications out of reach of kids, family and guests.

Know where your medications are at all times.

Keep prescribed medications in the original container with the label attached, and the child-resistant cap secured.

Keep track of the number of pills are in your prescription so you are immediately aware if any are missing.

Dispose of all unused and expired medications properly. Proper storage and disposal of all medications is essential to health and safety.

The majority of people who use prescription pain medications that are not prescribed to them report getting it from a family member or friend. In fact, just by having prescription pain medications in your home you are at increased risk for theft.

Just as pharmacies have expectations to protect and maintain their inventory of prescription pain medications, consumers should do the same.

Proper disposal of medications reduces the impact on the environment and lessens the chance they will be misused or abused.

If you maintain medical emergency storage, consult with your doctor about the shelf life of your medications and ensure they are in a safe, yet accessible, location.

References

Crisis Contacts

People expect the 911 system to work quickly and reliably, everywhere and with any device. The National 911 Program’s role is to help the 911 community provide optimal 911 services across the nation.

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American Association of Poison Control Centers: (800) 222-1222

The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports the nation’s 55 poison centers in their efforts to prevent and treat poison exposures. Poison centers offer free, confidential medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Safe Communities is not a counseling or crisis center and does not provide direct services. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).